From the mind of Mel Brooks comes "Spaceballs." This hilarious comedy classic parodies the hugely popular "Star Wars" franchise. Brooks' comedic genius extends to his other popular films including "Blazing Saddles", "Young Frankenstein", and "Men in Tights." It's really pick your poison, and I think I'll pick the subject of this article.
The cast features legends in the late John Candy as Barf. Candy's comedic timing made his character the second most memorable, but his presence extends past the screen due to his good reputation. He would bring a certain energy that other actors gravitated towards.
I loved Candy, but the best performance comes from Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet. The quotes we get from his character are iconic. Here are just a few.
"I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate."
"What's the matter Colonel Sanders, chicken?"
"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb!"
There are more funny quotes, but it's just a little on the risque side. Moranis exploded in popularity with this, "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Ghostbusters", but he voluntarily stepped away from acting. He wanted to focus on family, so I respect that.
Moranis always knew where he was on set. The costume design helps with his oversized helmet, and Moranis knows how to use physical comedy perfectly.
So many jokes land in this movie from literal comedy (using giant combs to "comb the desert"), an RV for a space shuttle, and breaking the fourth wall. They sell merchandise of the movie they are currently in, but nothing beats them watching themselves in live time! They put in the movie, "Spaceballs", while it is happening in real life. Are you confused? That's okay! That's part of the charm.
Don't forget the parody within the parody either. You can call it the "inception" of parodies with a reference to the famous chest alien from "Alien" where they actually had the same actor from the original movie.
My words cannot give the film the justice it deserves by you watching this movie. Go find it today! My film rating is an A+.
